Mutebi claims first professional victory at Pearl of Africa Golf Series

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Herman ‘Deco’ Mutebi from Entebbe Club secured his first professional victory by winning the Entebbe leg of the Pearl of Africa Golf Series.

Competing on his home course, Mutebi finished with an overall score of 279 over four rounds, securing a two-stroke lead over Rodell Gaita from Uganda Golf Club. This marks Mutebi’s first win in his six years as a professional golfer.

Since his amateur days, the former caddie has often been the bridesmaid in many events, frequently leading in the opening rounds only to falter in the final stages.

Two years ago, Mutebi, whose full potential had not been realised until Saturday’s event, shot an impressive opening round of four-under 67, taking a one-stroke lead over Gaita during the Stanbic Entebbe Open. However, he ultimately finished ninth, while Gaita went on to win the tournament.

Herman ‘Deco’ Mutebi celebrates after sinking in the winning putt of the Pearl of Africa Golf Series Entebbe leg, April 5, 2025. (Photo by Michael Nsubuga)

Once again, the battle lines were drawn as Mutebi led the opening round with a score of 68, tied with David Kamulindwa, while Gaita closely followed with a score of 69.

After the second round, Mutebi held onto his lead, with Gaita joining him at the top, while Kamulindwa fell to second place, trailing by three strokes. However, few believed Mutebi would maintain his position until the end. Many thought he would succumb to the pressure from the well-known pre-tournament favourites, as had happened in previous competitions.

But he defied the odds by staying on top by two strokes after the third round and ultimately won by the same margin. Both he and Gaita finished with a similar score of one-under 70 in the final round.

Mutebi made a total of 17 birdies and one eagle on the par-4 13, with five birdies coming in the last round. In comparison, Gaita achieved 19 birdies, six of which were in the final round. However, a double bogey on the par-4 hole 5 during the opening round proved to be the turning point that led to his downfall. 

The dreaded ‘Akope Challenge’ hole-17 was also more challenging for Gaita, as he lost three strokes there over the last two rounds compared to Mutebi’s two. He also incurred a penalty shot after his ball got stuck in the pine trees on the left of the 17th hole.

His second shot to attack the green saw his ball remain stuck in the tree, and he dropped for a penalty before settling for a double bogey.

Mutebi could have lost it here, as he only landed on for four before putting twice for a double bogey, but headed to the final tee with a three-stroke lead. He played an easy par, and despite a birdie from Gaita, the lead was unassailable.

It was a richly deserved victory for a player who played the best golf over the four days and showcased maturity, composure, calmness, and mental resilience. Deco took the lion’s share of the sh20m kitty for the professionals.

It was a richly deserved victory for Herman ‘Deco’ Mutebi who played the best golf over the four days. (Photo by Michael Nsubuga)

"This victory seems like my comeback, so I'm really thrilled about it. This year, I believe I have more in store for you," Mutebi stated.

“I went in with the mindset that we were going out there to have fun, so I told my caddy that right away. Just go in there and have fun. However, the final day was difficult because I was competing against strong, seasoned opponents. But I was calm, and whenever people doubted my abilities, it energised me the most,” Mutebi stated.

The third leg of the series will be played at the Lugazi Hills and Country Club course in July.